Another phone-based scam has surfaced in the South Cariboo, and Rural Crime Watch (RCW) is notifying the public through its bulletins.
An RCW bulletin states a member received a phone call with a recorded message from 780-949-8989 that indicated the caller had information regarding her AIR MILES account, and requested credit information.
The RCW bulletin indicates the member providing the information spoke directly with an AIR MILES staff representative who confirmed this scam has been going on for six months.
Other recent media reports have stated callers may falsely indicate they are with AIR MILES reward miles.
The AIR MILES Canada website states it does not use an automated message to notify collectors they have won reward miles.
It also suggests collectors protect their personal information and never give out their AIR MILES account number or PIN in response to a telemarketing call.
100 Mile House RCMP Staff Sgt. Brian Coldwell says he has not seen any similar reports on file at this point, but notes if a victim reports being taken in by a fraudulent activity, such as a phone scam, then police attempt to investigate.
For those who are contacted, but then recognize a potential fraud and think twice about participating (non-victims), Coldwell says the local RCMP usually recommend contacting the Anti-Fraud Centre’s PhoneBuster service by calling toll free at 1-888-495-8501.
